Ep 12. Millennium

In America The Story of Us season 1 episode 12, Millennium, viewers are taken on a journey through the turn of the 21st century. This period was marked by rapid technological advances and a new sense of global connectivity. The episode explores how these changes impacted America and the world at large.

The episode begins with a look at the Y2K scare, a phenomenon that gripped the world in the months leading up to the year 2000. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000, millions of people around the world held their breath, waiting to see if the much-feared computer glitch would cause chaos and disaster. The episode shows how the global community came together to ensure that the transition to the new millennium was as smooth as possible.

With the Y2K crisis averted, the episode then turns its attention to the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. Viewers are introduced to the pioneers of the internet age, such as Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos, and shown how their innovations transformed the way people live, work, and communicate. The episode also explores the darker side of the dot-com era, including the rise and fall of companies like Pets.com and Webvan.

The episode then takes a broader look at the political and cultural changes that defined the early 21st century. It examines the controversy surrounding the 2000 presidential election, which ultimately saw George W. Bush take office. It also delves into the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which forever changed the way Americans think about national security and the global balance of power.

From there, the episode delves into the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the geopolitical consequences of American military intervention overseas. It also explores the American response to Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the country's emergency response infrastructure.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals and expert commentary from historians and experts in fields ranging from technology to politics. The show manages to capture the spirit of the early 21st century, highlighting both the triumphs and the tragedies that defined this era.

In the end, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of awe at the incredible changes that have taken place in America and the world over the past few decades. It challenges us to consider what the future holds, and how we can use our collective knowledge and experience to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.